1. The Field Hockey World Cup Rivals the Olympics
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) oversees the Field Hockey World Cup, also called the Hockey World Cup and the Hockey World Championships. The event began in 1971 and originally reoccurred every 2 years. Beginning in 1982, the FIH moved to a 4-year cycle and spaced it to provide a world field hockey tournament between the gap of the Summer Olympics. The event gains nearly as much attention as the Summer Olympic field hockey events.
2. Qualifying for the Hockey World Cup
The Field Hockey World Cup has no requirements for the size of the competition. In 1971, only ten nations played. To begin the event, teams enter a qualifying round. The number of pools depends on the number of nations represented in the tournament. The current world rankings determine the structure of the pools. The teams in each pool play to determine placement in the final stage of the Hockey World Cup.
3. Winning the Hockey World Championship
Twelve teams earn spots in the final stage of the competition and usually feature the five continental champions and may include the Summer Olympic champions, if they aren't already qualified. The teams again enter pools and play in a round-robin tournament. The top two teams in each pool play the semi-final to determine the final teams. The remaining teams play to determine final ranking for the competition.
4. To the Victor Go the Spoils
Bashir Moojid designed the trophy for the Field Hockey World Cup and the Pakistani Army created the design. The trophy consists of a silver cup engraved with a detailed, delicate floral pattern. Above the cup rests a globe of the world in silver and gold. An ivory inlaid base adds to the richness of the trophy. A model field hockey stick and ball rest on the peak of the trophy. The cup goes to the over-all winner at the event's completion.
5. A Place for the Women's Hockey World Cup
Following the founding of the FIH, women field hockey supported formed the International Federation of Women's Hockey Associations (IFWHA). The Women's Hockey World Cup began under the direction of the IFWHA, which merged with the FIH in 1981. In 1974, the IFWHA started the Women's Hockey World Cup. In 1998, the Hockey World Cup combined the Men's and Women's World Cups. The winner for the women's section of the competition takes the title of queens for field hockey and a trophy.
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